RASCW, WRA and NAR: What’s the difference?

Understanding the Three Levels of REALTOR® Support

REALTORS® Association of South Central Wisconsin (RASCW), the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA), and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) work together to advance the profession, but each organization plays a specific role in supporting your success.

The easiest way to think about it is this:

• RASCW serves you locally
• WRA serves you statewide
• NAR serves you nationally

Each offers the education, resources, advocacy, and professional support you need at each level.

What is RASCW?

In addition to providing members with access to MLS and tools such as a Supra lockbox, RASCW helps members successfully conduct their business through local programs and benefits. You’ll find opportunities to:

• Build relationships through local networking events, including the Women’s Empowerment Conference, Momentum Networking Nights, Cindy Strange Memorial Golf Outing, chapter events, and open houses.
• Attend education designed for the South Central Wisconsin market, including REALTOR® New Member Orientation, the RASCW Broker Summit, PSA Verification, and on-demand learning through NextKey Campus.
• Participate in local leadership and volunteer opportunities by serving on committees such as Government Affairs or one of RASCW’s regional chapter committees.
• Receive local housing market updates through the monthly market statistics report and updates focused specifically on South Central Wisconsin.
• Gain recognition through programs like 40 Under 40, the Good Neighbor Award, and the Minority Scholarship Program.

RASCW also focuses on local advocacy efforts through its RASCW Housing Advocacy Fund.

What is WRA?

The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) supports REALTORS® across the state of Wisconsin. Its governance structure divides the state into five regions, each represented by one or two directors on the board.

The WRA’s offerings and services include:

• Wisconsin real estate forms, including the WB-11 Residential Offer to Purchase and Real Estate Condition Report.
• The WRA Legal Hotline, where members can receive answers to legal and transaction-related questions from WRA attorneys.
• State advocacy efforts, including Wisconsin Legislative Reports and REALTOR® & Government Day.

The WRA also hosts the annual statewide convention and operates the Wisconsin REALTORS® Foundation, which brings REALTORS® together to support charitable initiatives that enhance the quality of life throughout Wisconsin.

What is NAR?

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) represents more than one million REALTORS® across the country. It focuses on issues that impact real estate at the national level while providing valuable resources, advocacy, and professional development opportunities for members nationwide.

NAR offers members:

• Advocacy for property owners and the real estate industry before Congress and federal agencies.
• The REALTOR® Code of Ethics, establishing the professional standards all REALTORS® agree to uphold.
• National housing and economic research, including reports such as the Existing Home Sales Report, Pending Home Sales Index, and the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
• Professional designations and certifications, including Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), and At Home With Diversity® (AHWD).

Still have questions? Check out Your Membership Trifecta below: Your Membership Trifecta